Tower Health Program

Program Overview

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Tower Health offers a comprehensive training experience for physicians, with two distinct tracks available— a three-year program designed for Pediatrics-trained applicants and a two-year program intended for Emergency Medicine-trained candidates. This ACGME-accredited fellowship accepts three fellows per year and is situated in a high-volume, high-acuity emergency department serving an underserved patient demographic in Philadelphia. The program is closely affiliated with Tower Health and Drexel University.

As part of its mission, the fellowship aims to train not only competent clinicians but also proficient educators and researchers, all while providing care in a dynamic environment rich with teaching opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a rich mix of clinical and academic experiences. First-year fellows participate in mandatory simulation boot camps and conferences, promoting a collaborative atmosphere with the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Child Protection Team, and Adult Emergency Medicine. The program places significant emphasis on quality improvement and scholarly activities.

Core Rotations

Fellows are required to complete rotations in a variety of specialties crucial to pediatric emergency medicine, including:

• Adult Emergency Medicine
• Trauma
• Child Abuse
• Critical Care
• Ultrasound
• Toxicology
• Transport Medicine

Additionally, fellows benefit from local rotations at other institutions, enhancing their educational exposure.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, which functions as a free-standing tertiary care children’s hospital in North Philadelphia. It is recognized as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a regional center for pediatric burn treatment. The high volume of emergency department visits, exceeding 53,000 annually, contributes to an environment rich in clinical learning opportunities.

Fellowship Structure

Structured mentorship plays a vital role in the fellowship experience, with every fellow receiving formal faculty mentorship. Off-campus retreats during the academic year focus on wellness, professional development, and building a collaborative community among fellows. Academic appointments are available through Drexel University College of Medicine.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects, and the program offers dedicated time and resources to ensure that scholarly activities are a core aspect of the training. The inclusion of a Quality Improvement Director highlights the program's commitment to enhancing care delivery through rigorous research.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants must have completed a residency in either General Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine to be eligible for the fellowship. The application process requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a specific application window running from July 1 to September 1.

The fellowship is competitive, reflecting the high standards of both clinical and academic excellence required for acceptance.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa applications, facilitating the inclusion of international medical graduates who meet the fellowship's eligibility criteria.